30 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 30 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 131, 132; Num. 23:11-26; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 22:1-14

S- Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God.  It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. Romans 8:5, 7

O- We can get confused about people and why they do what they do.  Why do they think that way? How can they not see their ways are wicked and evil? How can they be hostile to God? The reason is they are not capable without the Spirit residing in them.  Their nature swims in evil and drinks it with pleasure.  This is why we pray for them and share the good news.

A- I will not look down on those that are hostile to God and his ways, but lift them up to the Lord.  I will accept the reality that there are many that reject the invitation the Lord is offering.  I will press on to search for the ones that will turn from their evil and put their trust in Jesus.

P- Lord, we see evil and wickedness in our country.  People are dominated by their sinful desires and become hostile when they are confronted with truth and the gospel.  Break through their darkness and bring them to the light.  Empower us in these days to faithfully pray, care, and share. Amen.

S- M, T, G, E

28 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 28 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 121, 122, 123; Num. 22:21-38; Romans 7:1-12; Matthew 21:23-32

S- When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death.  Romans 7:5

O- The bible is clear that every person is born into sin and by nature desires and chooses sin.  The law of God acts as mirror to reveal to us who we are.  We have all sinned and fall short of God’s standards.  No one is good.  Without Jesus, we all perish in our sins.

A- I will rejoice in God my savior that made me spiritually alive through the death and resurrection of his Son.  I am reminded when I read the law of God my imperfection and sinfulness.  I will remain thankful of being set free from the bondage of sin and death.

P- Lord, you are good to us and great in your faithfulness.  Thank you for showing mercy to us and revealing yourself to us.  Help us to live into this new life you have given us and to be free from sin’s hold.  May we live lives that are pleasing to you. Amen.

S- D, E

27 JUN 22 Monay SOAPS DEVO

 27 JUN 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 106:1-18; Num. 22:1-21; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 21:12-22

S- Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.  Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin.  Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life.  So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Romans 6:12-13

O-There is an expectation on those that who have submitted their lives to Jesus, will live in a manner that glorifies God.  That means that we go and sin no more and embrace a new way of living.  We belong to God and are his instrument and no longer the devil’s.

A- I will embrace the will and ways of the Lord and leave my old life behind.  I will seek to please God with all of my life and joyfully be an instrument in his hands.

P- Lord, thank you for saving me and allowing me the privilege of being an instrument in your hands.  May my life bring your pleasure and glory. Amen.

S- DBS, M

25 JUN 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 25 JUN 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 107:33-43; Num. 20:14-29; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11

S- The time has come for Aaron to join his ancestors in death.  He will not enter the land I am giving the people of Israel, because the two of you rebelled against my instructions concerning the water at Meribah.  Numbers 20:24

O- When we disobey God, it always has consequences.  Two greats in Israel didn’t get to finish the task and see the fruits of their labor because they didn’t obey.  When you realize that you have disappointed God, that is the painful truth.  The loss of opportunity, blessing, or life is not as painful as disappointing Him.

A- I will take this word as a warning and learn from these great men.  I will strive to hear the affirming words, well done good and faithful servant with God’s help.

P- Lord, this is a painful reality that we can and do disappoint you.  Help us to willingly do your will with joy and not to be disobedient.   We do not want to be a disappointment in this life, but desire to pleasing in your sight. Amen.

S- C, J

24 JUN 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 24 JUN 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 102; Num. 20:1-13; Romans 5:12-21; Matthew 20:29-34

S- For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many.  But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17

O- Sin affects us all in that we fall short of God’s standards.  This separates us from a right relationship with God.  We cannot repair this on our own.  Even our minds are dull to the good news, but it is the Holy Spirit who brings a change in minds and hearts so that we can respond.  Jesus makes us right with God if we turn from our sins and trust him with our life.

A- I will rejoice in what Jesus has done on our behalf and surrender daily to his will.  I will tell of the good news of Jesus to everyone.

P- Lord, thank you for providing the way to make us right with you.  Help me to share with others the same hope that I have in you. Amen.

S- H, R, F

23 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 23 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 105:1-22; Num. 17:1-11; Romans 5:1-11; Matthew 20:17-28

S- We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. Romans 5:3-4

O- We like comfort and peace versus drama and problems.  As a society we run from it and like to complain about and to one another.  Paul tells us we can rejoice in problems and trials.  They are an opportunity for development of endurance and character.  They also allow us to experience God in a way that we wouldn’t without the problems.  In that we can rejoice.

A- I will reject my nature to complain and grumble when things don’t go my way or facing challenges.  With God’s help, I will rejoice that I now have the opportunity to develop and experience God in a new way.

P- Lord, there are many problems and trials that each of us face.  Some are unique to us and we naturally don’t like them.  Give us fresh eyes to see what you are doing and to be able to rejoice that you will make the problems into good for us.  I yield to your hands, so shape me into the person you desire. Amen.

S- M, V

22 JUN 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 22 JUN 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:121-144; Num. 16:20-35; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 20:1-16

S- The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.  Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. Psalm 119: 130, 133

O- Most of the Bible is pretty straightforward in explaining wisdom, truth, and faith for life.  It comes to life when the Holy Spirit is in you and teaches you.  Otherwise, you may get a nugget or two that you can use.  Without Him, you remain blind and suppress the truth that you find because you love evil and darkness.

A- I will rejoice in the goodness of God and his mercy for giving me eyes to see and freeing me from the darkness and bringing me into the light.  I will seek the Lord in his word in order to navigate this life and its problems.  In the word, contains the answers and strategies to deal with everything we face.

P- Lord, your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.  I rejoice that you have spoken to the world and desire relationships with all of us.  Open the eyes of the spiritually blind and fill them with your life-giving Spirit.  Help us to study your word and live it. Amen.

S- DBS

21 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 21 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 97, 99; Num. 16:36-50; Romans 4:1-12; Matthew 19:23-30

S- David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: Oh, what a joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what a joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin. Romans 4:6-8

O- When we come to faith, a great exchange happens.  Christ takes our sin and he gives us his righteousness.  His righteousness and not our own gain us right standing before God.  There is great joy in that and forgiveness and cleansing of sins.

A- I will be thankful and joyful that I am forgiven and have been given Christ’s righteousness.  I will remember that I have been given new life not to serve myself, but the one who died for me.

P- Lord, It is a joy to know that you have forgiven my disobedience and sin and have given me your righteousness.  Thank you.  Thank you for giving me your righteousness and making me holy and acceptable to you.  Allow me the honor of serving you today and every day that you give me. Amen.

S- K, E

17 JUN 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 17 JUN 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 88; Num. 13:1-3, 21-30; Romans 2:25-3:8; Matthew 18:21-35

S- Then Peter came to him and asked, Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? No, not seven times, Jesus replied, but seventy times seven! Matthew 18:21-22

O- The business of forgiveness is a difficult thing for us and we like to put limits on it.  Peter sought to extend the normal limit out a few more times, but Jesus threw out a number that said quit counting.  If you forgive that person then don’t keep track.  Do it from the heart.  You can with God’s help.

A- I will do the hard work of forgiveness with God’s help.  If the offender asks for forgiveness, I will forgive. I will seek the Lord’s wisdom on relationships and seek his best in them.

P- Lord, you know it is difficult for us to extend forgiveness to those that have wronged us.  You have experienced the greatest offenses from us, even the death of your Son.  Yet, you have forgiven us.  Help us to do the same. Amen.

S- J,  S

16 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 16 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 83; Num. 12:1-16; Romans 2:12-24; Matthew 18:10-20

S- If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? Matthew 18:12

O- God seeks after those that are his lost sheep.  This gives me peace and joy that he sought me out and found me, but he is doing that on a daily basis.  That is God’s business and he has told us to be a part of that adventure.  Are you seeking?

A- I am thankful and joyful that God sought me and bought me with His redeeming love.  I will eagerly join in the work of search and rescue of his lost children.

P- Lord, you are loving and do not will that your sheep will perish.  Give us the passion that you have to search for your lost ones.  Give us success and perseverance as we stay the course.  Let those we know that are far from you be found. Amen.

S-DBS, Men

15 JUN 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 15 JUN 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 119:97-120; Num. 11:24-33; Romans 1:28-2:11; Matthew 18:1-9

S-But Moses replied, Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them all! Numbers 11:29

O- The Holy Spirit was given in the Hebrew Bible to specific people to give wisdom in decisions, power to defeat enemies, and skill in artistry.  Moses hoped that all of God’s people could have the Holy Spirit.  As followers of Jesus, we are all given the Holy Spirit to do the will of God, overcome sin, and have power for living.

A- I will give thanks that we live in such a time as this to be blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.  I will yield to His leading as He develops me and works through me to be his witness.

P- Lord, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit to all that surrender to Jesus.  Fill me afresh today and make me sensitive to His direction and instruction.  Amen.

S- K, M

14 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 14 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 78:1-39; Num. 11:1-23; Romans 1:16-25; Matthew 17:22-27

S- For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.  It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16

O- People in the church and those that claim to follow Christ act as if they are ashamed of the gospel when they do not share it with friends, family, and others.  The fear of rejection from man is greater than rejection from God.  We shame Jesus when we don’t stand for righteousness and godliness in our society.  Paul rejects the culture and the world’s ways because the good news is the solution.

A- I will be proud of God and his love for me.  I will unapologetically profess and possess my faith in the face of a hostile culture.  I will rejoice in the ones that believe and pray for those that don’t.

P- Lord, it pains me to see the many in the church walk in shame that we know you or uphold the truth.  Our society has become extremely immoral and dark these days.  Help us to stand firm and proudly profess the powerful message of the cross that many might be saved.  Amen.

S- DBS, H, 

13 JUN 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 13 JUN 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 80; Num. 9:15-23; Romans 1:1-15; Matthew 17:14-21

S- And whenever the Ark set out, Moses would shout, Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you! Numbers 10:35

O- Moses had a firm handle on who was doing the fighting of their enemies.  This proclamation was an affirmation to his army that God would route the enemy and give them victory.  This is a great statement we can make as we start the day.  Ask God to draw those in that he wants us to reach and scattered those that are enemies of the cross.

A- I will trust that God will fight in the heavenly our enemies who are not flesh and blood.  I will ask that the Lord give us the people he wants us to work with and keep away those that he doesn’t.  I will remember that we work from a position of victory and are not in the process of obtaining it.

P- Lord, you are our warrior and defender.  I thank you for giving us the victory and defending us in the spiritual realm.  I ask that you go before us today and scatter our enemies and draw to us the people who need you.  Help us to be faithful, fruitful, and effective witnesses for you. Amen.

S- V, A,  

 

11JUN 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

 11 JUN 22 Saturday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 75, 76; Num. 3:1-13; Galatians 6:11-18; Matthew 17:1-13

S- It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall.  For the Lord holds a cup in his hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices.  He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs. Psalm 75:7-8

O- We desire justice when we have been wronged and when we see people that are doing things against God himself.  God is holy, just, and will never let anyone slide from receiving the punishment for sin, wickedness, and evil.  If we want justice, ask God as David did.  Leave it in his capable hands to work it out here in the temporal setting or eternally.  

A- I will not grip or gripe about injustice, but ask God to deal with it in his way or time.  I will trust in God’s sovereignty to use the situation for his glory and plans even though I might not understand.

P- Lord, we are put into situations where we desire justice, revenge, or satisfaction.  We need you to deal with the people that are wicked or evil toward us or enemies of the cross.  Help us to trust you and give us peace that you will deal with them in a manner you see fit. Amen.

S- R, J

10 JUN 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

 10 JUN 22 Friday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 69:1-23; Eccles. 11:9-12:14; Galatians 5:25-6:10; Matthew 16:21-28

S- Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.  And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.  Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:1-2

O- We have many troubles, sins, and suffering in this life.  Accountability and restoration are the most difficult things to do as a believer but are necessary to your walk and others.  

A- I will commit to helping fellow believers stay on the path marked out for them by the Lord.  I will also guard myself from those sins that could put me in the same position.

P- Lord, it pains us to see others in brokenness and sin because we know it is not where you want us to be.  Help us to invest in others and hold one another accountable for your glory and our good.  Grant us wisdom and effectiveness as we build one another up into maturity. Amen.

S- J, J, 

9 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

 9 JUN 22 Thursday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 70, 71; Eccles. 11:1-8; Galatians 5:16-25; Matthew 16:13-20

S- Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.  Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:24-25

O- This is one of the challenges of our culture that wants to “do them” and still be right with God.  Much of it is the very sin that put Jesus on the cross.  When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are to renounce the sin, wickedness, and evil in our lives, and leave them on the cross.  There is a new life to live in the Spirit that requires death to self. 

A- I will take seriously the sin that is in my life and renounce them and embrace the path of the Spirit.  

P- Lord, I give thanks for saving me and giving me a new life in you.  Help me to renounce any sins that may still have a hold on me and embrace the life you desire for me. Amen.

S- M, J, E

8 JUN 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

 8 JUN 22 Wednesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 72; Eccles. 9:11-18; Galatians 5:1-15; Matthew 16:1-12

S- For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.  But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.  Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

O- When we come to faith in Jesus, we are made into a new creation and take on a new character.  We have to learn to live into that because it is not part of our old nature.  The freedom given to us is not made for our ways, but God’s.  There is an expectation that we live for God and not ourselves.  We can practically do that by serving others in love.

A- I will seek the Lord and his ways and live into the new life he has given.  I will love the Lord and others through service.

P- Lord, I am thankful that you saved me and delivered me from my old life.  Help me to desire the things that are important to you and to love my neighbor as myself.  Let my life bring you glory and give me the joy of your salvation. Amen.

S- R, K

7 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

 7 JUN 22 Tuesday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 61, 62; Eccles. 8:14-9:10; Galatians 4:21-31; Matthew 15:29-39

S- I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.  Psalms 62:1-2

O- These two verses are such an encouragement when we struggle or feel defeated.  Coming before the Lord humbly and seeking him will bring you peace and re-center you to the path he has laid out for you.  Knowing that it is God that brings victory and we already have it, restores hope and perspective.  

A- I will trust the Lord during the most trying times and struggles in life.  I will not live defeated because the victory has already been obtained.  I will live in the satisfaction that Jesus is my hope.

P- Lord, your word is such an encouragement every day.  We can feel afraid, defeated, and without purpose, but the truth is you have obtained the victory.  We are victorious and walk in it forever.  Let us not forget nor trust our feelings over your word. Amen.

S- M, DBS,

 

6 JUN 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

 6 JUN 22 Monday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Eccles. 7:1-14; Galatians 4:12-20; Matthew 15:21-28

S- Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. Galatians 4:19

O- The more you invest in others, the more you will understand Paul’s words.  There is a certain pain in helping others to develop into maturity in the faith.  We see disobedience as “the” factor for not becoming who God desires them to be.  It is the proof in the pudding.  The other pain is being lead astray by false teachers and worldviews.  

A- I will stay faithful to those that I am investing in despite the pain of development.  I will save myself some pain if they prove not to be interested or disobedient for a season, then let them be until they are ready.  I will avidly defend them from false teachers and worldviews.  

P- Lord, the pain that comes from investing in others is great at times.  The interaction exposes the genuineness of their faith and the endurance of mine.  Lord, help us to stay faithful and help our disciples to develop maturity and invest in others as well. Amen.

S-L, M, M 

5 JUN 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

 5 JUN 22 Sunday SOAPS DEVO

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

...having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. Ephesians 5:26

Reading Plan: Psalm 118; Deut. 16:9-12; Acts 4:18-21, 23-33; John 4:19-26

S- “who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his anointed.”  Acts 4:25-26

O- Jews and Gentiles alike used their intersectionality of sin to unify against Jesus and send him to the cross.  It would have been a gross injustice and example of mob rule if it were not God’s plan to do so.  The greatest evil in the world was done to Jesus, but God intended it for our victory.  Jesus beat sin, evil, and death so that we could be free in Christ.

A- I will remember that my sin put Jesus on the cross and he paid the price so that I could be free.  I will gladly and eagerly follow his ways and serve him forever.

P- Lord, we see the world still unhappy with your sovereign rule and rebelling against you and your people daily.  Empower us by your Holy Spirit to love radically those who hate us and to boldly proclaim the good news.  Please give the increase to your church, amen.

S- F, F